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Alternatives to Silas

  1. Sylvan

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      One of the many variations of Silvanus, the name of the Roman forest god, and a little-used member of the freshly stylish Sylv- family of names. Silvan is the sleek German and Dutch form. Given to less than 100 boys each year in the US, it's nevertheless in the Nameberry Top 500.
  2. Hollis

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "near the holly bushes"

    • Description:

      Hollis is a rugged, gentle and quietly used name, given to over 200 boys and 150 girls each year in the US. In 2023, it became one of the newest entries to the US Top 1000, where it fits in with the surnames-as-first-names trend, and other familiar choices like Ellis, Silas, and Holden.
  3. Julius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful, downy-bearded"

    • Description:

      Immortal through its association with the ancient Caesar (it was his clan name), Julius may still lag behind Julian, but is definitely starting to make a comeback, and in fact feels more cutting edge, in line with the current trend for Latin -us endings.
  4. Salem

    • Origin:

      Biblical place-name or Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "safe"

    • Description:

      Salem is a Biblical place name in Canaan, believed to be the same as Jerusalem, as well as the Massachusetts town famous for its late 17th century witch trials. Salem is also a popular first name in its own right throughout the Arabic world.
  5. Forest

    • Origin:

      French occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "woodsman or woods"

    • Description:

      The Forest variation of Forrest, used by actor Whitaker, nudges the meaning more toward the woods and away from the woodsman.
  6. Laurence

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      Lawrence is the dominant spelling in the US, but in the UK Laurence and Lawrence are given in almost equal numbers each year, often with the adorable nickname Laurie or Lawrie. British actor Sir Laurence Olivier is a famous bearer.
  7. Sorrel

    • Origin:

      Botanical name and French

    • Meaning:

      "reddish brown"

    • Description:

      Sorrel is a gentle, amber-hued herbal and autumnal name that's used most often to describe the color of a horse. Sorrell is a variant spelling. Both make excellent names for autumn babies and can be used for either gender.
  8. Ulysses

    • Origin:

      Latin variation of Odysseus, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wrathful"

    • Description:

      Ulysses is one of the few U boys' names anyone knows -- with heavy links to the Homeric hero of The Odyssey, the eighteenth US president Ulysses Grant, and the James Joyce novel -- all of which makes it distinguished, if a little weighty, for a modern boy.
  9. Giles

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "young goat"

    • Description:

      One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.
  10. Sylvester

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      This name of three early popes has been associated in recent years with a cocky cartoon cat ("Thufferin' thuccatash!") and the Italian Stallion hero of the Rocky and Rambo movies (who was born Michael) — and yet we think it just might be ready to move further back into the mainstream.
  11. Silo

    • Description:

      Silo is an uncommon masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Latin roots, possibly related to the word for a grain storage structure, or it could come from Germanic elements. The name also appears in ancient history as that of a king of Asturias in Spain during the 8th century. Silo has a distinctive, minimalist quality with its brief two syllables and open ending. The name's rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something genuinely unique with historical echoes. Despite its brevity, Silo carries a certain strength and clarity. Its uncommon nature means most bearers of this name would likely be the only one in their community.

  12. Saul

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "prayed for"

    • Description:

      Jewish parents in particular may be drawn to this quiet, composed name of the first king of Israel and the name of Saint Paul before his conversion. In modern times, it has been associated with Nobel Prize-winning novelist Saul Bellow. Its meaning makes it appropriate for a long-awaited child.

      Saul is a character in a John Dryden poem, and heard in the Handel oratorio, "Saul."

  13. Albus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white, bright."

    • Description:

      The ancient name Albus has modern currency as the first name of the headmaster of Harry Potter's Hogwarts, more formally known as Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Can Albus work if you're missing the long white beard and the magic wand? Maybe, though it might be a heavy mantle for a Muggle child to wear.
  14. Solas

    • Origin:

      Invented name, or Norwegian or Spanish surname

    • Meaning:

      "pride; light, bright"

    • Description:

      Solas is a surname name in both Norwegian (as Solås) and Spanish (as Solás), but it was introduced as a first name via the video game franchise Dragon Age. In the series, Solas is an Elven mage whose name is derived from the Elven word for "pride".
  15. Cylas

    • Description:

      Cylas is a modern masculine variation of the ancient Greek name Silas, which means 'forest' or 'woodland.' The distinctive spelling with 'C' instead of 'S' emerged in recent decades as parents sought unique twists on traditional names. While Silas has biblical connections as a companion of Paul in the New Testament, Cylas offers a contemporary update while maintaining the name's historical essence. The name has seen increasing usage in the 21st century, particularly in the United States, though it remains relatively uncommon. Cylas combines accessibility with uniqueness, featuring a strong sound that balances traditional masculine qualities with modern appeal.

  16. Niles

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "son of Neil"

    • Description:

      Perfect name for TV Frasier's effete brother. In the 2020 film Palm Springs, Andy Samberg plays a character with the updated spelling Nyles.
  17. Silvio

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Silvius

    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"

    • Description:

      A shiny and sylvan choice, this sleek yet spirited name feels familiar yet is rarely used.
  18. Salix

    • Origin:

      Latin, botanical name

    • Description:

      An unusual name related to the willow family.
  19. Ilias

    • Origin:

      Greek, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of Elijah.
  20. Sable

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "animal name"

    • Description:

      Sable is often associated with the Dynsaty soap opera, but it is actually a type of animal historically hunted for its fur. Sable is also used as a word for a warm, rich black color. Both associations carry hints of luxury.